Whether you're clocking in some quality Me Time or entertaining friends poolside, blogger Raul Zelaya shares three easy cocktails you can whip up in a flash this summer.

The only thing better than dipping your toes in cool water on a hot summer day, is doing so with a chilled drink in hand. The warmer months are upon us, which means lots of fun in the sun with friends, and poolside drinking is the crowning achievement of relaxation. You get to unwind, take a much-deserved breather, and share a few laughs with your mates, all in the most refreshing environment.

Once you’ve settled in with the warm sun on your face, your work computer out of sight and mind, and that new bathing suit on display, there’s only one more thing you need: a cold beverage. And though beer is nice, a refreshing and festive seasonal cocktail is quintessential when it comes to embracing summer. Tiki drinks (traditional Polynesian-inspired rum drinks with citrus and fruit flavors) are perfect for a day at the beach on a far away, tropical island.

When you’re at the pool, though, opt for something light, refreshing and easy-to-make—giving you more time to work on that tan, hang out, and enjoy the company and beautiful day.
I love mixing up simple cocktails using premium pineapple vodka. After all, there are few flavors more definitively “summer” than pineapple; just the scent of it alone will give you a hankering for the sunshine. There are plenty of ways to incorporate this fruity flavor into your easy, poolside cocktails. Here are a few recipes to try:

Out of the Weeds:

Here’s What You Need:

1 1/2 ounces premium pineapple vodka

1/4 ounce fresh lime juice

2 dashes of celery bitters

tonic water

Pour the vodka and lime juice into a tall glass filled with crushed ice.
Add 2 dashes of bitters and top up with tonic water.

Mixed Signals:

Here’s What You Need:

1 1/2 ounces premium pineapple vodka

½ ounce fresh lemon juice

1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts sugar & water)

IPA beer

Pour the vodka, citrus, and syrup into a cocktail shaker.
Add ice and shake well until chilled.
Strain the drink into a tall glass filled with crushed ice, and top it up with a quality IPA beer.

Gone Fishing:

Here’s What You Need:

1 1/2 ounces premium pineapple vodka

1/2 ounce orange curaçao

1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice

club soda

Pour the vodka, curacao, and citrus juice into a cocktail shaker.
Shake well with ice and strain the drink into a rocks glass full of crushed ice.
Top it off with club soda.